BOLD-FEATHERED GRASS MOTH

BOLD-FEATHERED GRASS MOTH

Herpetogramma pertextalis
CRAMBID SNOUT MOTH FAMILY (Crambidae)

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The Bold-feathered Grass Moth has a wingspan of approximately 1 inch (25 mm). The forewIng is straw-colored to tan with many brown markings. The postmedial and subterminal lines on the forewing and hindwing are both sharply- toothed. The reniform spot is a light tan bordered on both sides with dark brown lines. The body is an ivory color. A very similar moth, the Zigzag Herpetograma is larger with a wingspan of about 35 mm. The caterpillar is light tan with some green and orange shading and brown warts. It grows to about 1 inch.

 

The frequency of occurrence of this moth in our area is not known. The individual shown here was photographed at the Fontenelle Forest Nature Center buildling in early July 2011.

 

The larvae eat the leaves of low growing plants including violets.

 

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